Do you know what Iminentsearch.com is?
Users might see Iminentsearch.com as a normal search engine, but our researchers recognize the application as a browser hijacker. The search engine could replace default homepage for the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer users. If you feel like you are forced to use the application, we have some good news for you. This hijacker can be erased from browsers at any time. For example, users can delete it manually with the instructions placed at the end of the article. Another reason why we prepared a removal guide is because we do not recommend you to use the application. It might show you suspicious search results that could include links to potentially malicious web pages, but that is not the only reason. Thus, continue reading the article and learn more about Iminentsearch.com.
The browser hijacker might be installed by users who visit suspicious file-sharing web pages and download freeware from them. If you did not know this already, we have to inform you that some programs are bundled with additional software, which is visible only in the setup wizard. Users should be extra careful with freeware applications because if they are downloaded from unreliable websites, these programs could be bundled with potentially unwanted programs, adware, questionable toolbars, different browser hijackers, and so on.
Naturally, there are a few ways you can stop suspicious software from entering your system. Firstly, you may want to avoid file-sharing web pages that have bad user reviewers or are untrustworthy for any other reason. Secondly, it would be smart to choose custom installation settings, so that you could unmark suggestions of bundled software. Lastly, try to gather more information about a program that you are planning to use, e.g. look for user reviews, ratings, facts about its publishers, and so on.
We advise users no to trust Iminentsearch.com entirely because it's displayed search results could be modified by the browser hijacker. The application’s Privacy Policy states that it can gather anonymous data related to the user’s browsing habits. Probably, it could be used for marketing analysis that would help the software to decide what is popular among its users, although data could be used to serve you targeted ads as well. The problem is that the ads could come from potentially harmful third-party web pages and if users click such ads, they could be redirected to dangerous websites too. Given that some of the sites could contain malware or promote suspicious software we do not think that you would want to use the search engine and risk your computer’s safety.
Iminentsearch.com screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Moreover, users should know that Iminentsearch.com comes from the Elex family that consist of a lot of similar browser hijackers. These applications do not have any additional functions or other features that would make them somehow better than search engines developed by reliable companies. However, that seems only logical since the browser hijacker was probably created only to generate advertising revenue. If so, then Iminentsearch.com originators may not care if their products are useful or safe to use for you and your system.
If you do not want to wait till something bad happens, you should remove the browser hijacker. Based on the affected browser the application might have modified particular Registry values or files in the AppData folder. If you follow the instructions below, you will be able to remove it from the Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome browsers. Users can also remove the search engine with a trustworthy antimalware tool. You just have to install the tool and let it scan your system. Once, it detects the browser hijacker; you should be able to erase it from your system.
Erase Iminentsearch.com
Internet Explorer
- Press Windows Key+R.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Go to: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Find a Value Name titled as Start Page.
- Right-Click the Start Page and select Modify.
- Replace Value Data with a web page you prefer, e.g. google.com.
- Select OK.
Mozilla Firefox
- Go to:
C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{Unique Mozilla user ID} - Find a file titled as Prefs.js.
- Open it as a Notepad document.
- Find and delete given line: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://iminentsearch.com").
Google Chrome
- Navigate to:C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
- Find and delete listed files: Preferences, Secure Preferences, and Web Data.
In non-techie terms:
It might seem like Iminentsearch.com works like any other search engine. However, the truth is that it could insert unreliable third-party ads in your search results. Such ads might redirect you to malicious web pages that are filled with viruses, Trojans, and so on. Thus, to avoid this, it is better to remove the application from affected browsers. In order to do that, users could install a security tool or use the removal guide above.